At a panel discussion at the newly founded Challenger tournament Wolfkran Open 17 in Ismaning, where SPOX and Tennisnet were present, Boris Becker commented on the situation of German men’s tennis.The 49-year-old also spoke about Germany’s number one, Alexander Zverev.
“German tennis is much better than its reputation.We are in a pretty good position today, especially in comparison to the other top nations,”Becker clarified.In response to SPOX demand, he justified the negative public perception with too much superficiality:”You don’t take the time to deal with it honestly, you just read the headlines.”
Since the end of August, Becker has been Head of Men’s Tennis at the German Tennis Federation (DTB).The position was created especially for the six-time Grand Slam winner and is intended to further boost progress in German tennis.
“Thanks to new and improved structures, a very positive development can be seen,”Becker explained.Two years ago, only two German men were in the top 100 of the ATP, but now there are eight.
According to Becker, there is still room for improvement.One of his main concerns is the promotion of other DTB bases.At the moment there are performance centres in Oberhaching near Munich, Stuttgart, Hanover and Kamen:”This is extremely important for the players.But we are still in a different position to Spain, for example,”said Becker.
Becker complained that it is also crucial to bring tennis back to the fore in Germany:”We never talk about tennis,” said Becker:”We have to win new fans and revive the fascination of tennis, because in Germany we have” great players who are at the very top of the world and a good structure at the DTB “.
Another problem that German tennis has is the low density of tournaments in Germany.While Italy, for example, hosts more than 20 Challenger tournaments, there are only six in Italy,”In other countries this is financed by the state or borne by the Grand Slam tournaments,”explained Dr. Dr. Dr.Peter Aurnhammer, who was also a participant in the discussion:”Germany must finance such tournaments through sponsors or the national associations.
Another topic was the recent Davis Cup cancellations by Germany’s top players against Portugal, which caused a lot of discussion.DTB Sports Director Klaus Eberhard asked for understanding and individual consideration of the rejections of Alexander Zverev, Philipp Kohlschreiber and Co. – even if the “junior contracts say that we expect Davis Cup to be played”.
The positive news is that all players – including Alex Zverev – want to play in the first round of 2018,”said Becker.The participation of the top players was not guaranteed until the end.Of course, sickness or injury can still make things happen, Becker said:”But the willingness is there.”
However, Zverev will first be selected for the ATP finals (12th place).till 19.November) and compete against the world’s best players in the unofficial tennis world championship.According to Becker, this is a “historic achievement” by Zverev, who for him is “a diamond” to be challenged and promoted.
For the future, Becker expects something big from what is currently the world’s fifth-best player:”I trust him to be number one,” but the real work is only just beginning.”It’s difficult to make it into the top five.Staying there, but even more difficult,”says Becker.